By Olusola Iyiade
In the theatre of power, silence is rarely empty; it's a deliberate choice. For Osun State’s current political trajectory under Governor Ademola Adeleke, this silence has become a defining characteristic. Beyond the viral clips and populist optics, there's a growing void where accountability, fiscal philosophy, and institutional integrity ought to reside.
Governor Ademola Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke
From the vantage point of political sociology, leadership is a social contract, not a performance. When a leader retreats into ambiguity about the State’s resources, they're eroding democratic consent. The questions piling up on the Governor’s desk aren't just opposition grumblings; they're fundamental inquiries into Osun’s developmental future.
The most glaring of these unanswered questions surrounds the financial aftermath of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) dissolution. In the heated days of the 2022 election, the Adeleke camp was vociferous in its condemnation of the settlement, labeling it a betrayal of Osun’s heritage. But here's the thing: the administration has become a major beneficiary of that very agreement.
The State government has acknowledged receiving approximately N4 billion in compensation funds from Oyo State. So, the question remains: If the deal was a "betrayal", why is the compensation being utilized to fund a N723.4 billion 2026 budget without transparent, line-item accounting of exactly where these billions have landed? Is it buried in the overhead costs of the Government House, or has it been translated into the classrooms and laboratories that were ostensibly "lost" in the dissolution?
This is the hypocrisy: you can't curse the tree while gathering the fruit. The Governor's "benevolent billionaire" image is a veil; management of Osun State’s finances remains shrouded in fog. Claiming a 43% domestic debt reduction is impressive, but at what cost to the people? Transparency in procurement isn't optional, it's statutory. When the 2026 budget allocates 55% to capital expenditure, what's the true cost of these "Imole" projects? Are they driven by competitive processes or patronage networks? The bureaucracy's supposed to be the "permanent state", but there's a "Politics of Vengeance" - visible in local government autonomy battles and worker recruitment limbo.
Adeleke avoids the question: Why does the State continue to grapple with the federal government over funds instead of allowing local councils full independence? A State can't thrive when its third tier of government is treated as an administrative appendage. Osun's budget shows grand architectural designs, but what's the roadmap for economic autonomy? Agro-industrialization and fertilizer distribution aren't enough; the State remains dependent on FAAC funds. With the 2026 election looming, charisma is depreciating, leaving behind governance metrics. The Governor's mastered "presence", but leadership is about accountability.
The administration's claim of a 100% score in fiscal transparency from BudgIT is a powerful shield, yet specific questions about LAUTECH billions or "ghost worker" allegations remain unanswered. The silence suggests a leader who believes himself above the "why" of the people. That's the moment a descent begins. The people of Osun aren't asking for a performance; they're asking for a line-item reckoning of their future. It's time for the Governor to provide transparent facts. Osun deserves governance where the "Light" illuminates the books as brightly as it shines on billboards.
Further scrutiny reveals more concerns. The State's infrastructure development, though commendable, seems to prioritize urban areas, leaving rural communities underdeveloped. The Dancing Governor's Office hasn't addressed allegations of favoritism in project allocations. Moreover, the education sector, a critical component of Osun's development, faces challenges. Teacher recruitment is slow, and existing staff lack adequate training and resources. The healthcare system also shows gaps, with reports of inadequate equipment and staffing in public hospitals.
The economic indicators are mixed. While the State boasts a growing GDP, poverty levels remain high. The Governor's economic policies seem to focus on large-scale projects, but the impact on everyday citizens is unclear. Small businesses, a backbone of the local economy, struggle with access to credit and high operational costs. The administration's response to these challenges has been inadequate, fueling concerns about its commitment to inclusive growth.
In all, Adeleke's administration faces critical questions about transparency, accountability and governance. The people of Osun deserve clear answers and a commitment to addressing the State's developmental challenges. The road to 2026 is long, and the Governor's performance will be judged by the transparency and effectiveness of his administration.
As Osun State gears up for the 2026 governorship election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) emerges as the most credible alternative to the incumbent. Where the current administration offers rhythmic optics and a "billionaire mythos," Oyebamiji brings the disciplined eye of a seasoned financial expert and a proven track record of servant leadership. Having served as a two-term Commissioner for Finance, he possesses the technical depth required to dismantle the "fiscal fog" currently shielding the State’s resources, offering instead a governance model rooted in the cold, transparent reality of the ledger rather than the heat of the dance.
With his deep understanding of institutional stability and a commitment to people-centered policies, AMBO offers a beacon of hope for a State yearning for an account that actually adds up. It is time for Osun to choose substance over performance and vote Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji into office on August 8, 2026, for a brighter, rewarding, and fiscally sound future.
● Dr Iyiade wrote from Ikirun, Osun State